Private Detectives and Investigators Salary in Northwest Illinois

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $62,230 +18.8% vs national
Median hourly $29.92
10th percentile $38,580
90th percentile $74,320
Employed locally 60
National median $52,370

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Private Detectives and Investigators
in
Northwest Illinois
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $38,580
    25th
    $43,310
    50th (median)
    $62,230
    75th
    $74,320
    90th
    $74,320

    Top-paying metros for Private Detectives and Investigators

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Lexington Park, MD $80,060
    Salem, OR $79,550
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $79,110
    Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $77,680
    Oregon $77,320
    Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $76,730

    Related occupations in Northwest Illinois

    OccupationMedian salary
    Correctional Officers and Jailers$74,720
    Security Guards$42,080
    Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$66,690
    Firefighters$58,930
    First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers$107,990
    First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$91,040

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make per hour in Northwest Illinois?

    The median hourly wage for Private Detectives and Investigators in Northwest Illinois is $29.92, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $35.73 or more per hour.

    Is Northwest Illinois above or below average for Private Detectives and Investigators salaries?

    The median Private Detectives and Investigators salary in Northwest Illinois is 18.8% above the national median of $52,370. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Private Detectives and Investigators in Northwest Illinois?

    Entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators (10th percentile) earn around $38,580 per year in Northwest Illinois. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $43,310.